Dick Sinapi offers potential buyers the convenience of brokerage, mortgage, and title services under one roof—and at a discount.

Broker-owners who’d like nothing more than to get in front of the 38 million readers of Better Homes and Gardens magazine and the 5 million unique monthly visitors to the magazine’s Web site will have that chance in July when Realogy Corp. rolls out its newest franchise brand, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate.

Who says nice guys finish last? Since he came on board as broker-manager of RE/MAX Unlimited, REALTORS®, in Palatine, Ill., Lee Bialek, considered an all-around nice guy by his sales force, has helped his office grow its sales volume 64 percent, from $101 million in 1999 to $166 million in 2001. Now the company ranks No. 1 in its market.

In 2000, Matt Williams’ 53 salespeople had a sales volume of more than $100 million, with more than 650 transaction sides closed, despite the fact that inventory was down. Since 1997, when he took over, sales have increased 36 percent. Williams credits his recruiting program.